Jurnee Smollett-Bell (Nicole Wright) previously starred on two episodes of the television series Grey's Anatomy (2005-), as clinical trial patient Beth Monroe. Marshall Allman who previously starred as Sam's younger brother, Tommy Mickens, also starred on the same two episodes as another clinical trial patient, named Jeremy West, who was in love with Beth.
When Eric is outside of the Governor's house it is already dark, despite the time being just before 17:30. Even in December, it should not be totally dark in Louisianna before 17:30, and given the leaves on the trees, it is clearly not December.